Below are railroad FAQs you might have about a possible job with Capital Railroad Contracting.
A railroad contractor builds, maintains, and repairs railway infrastructure. This includes track construction, bridge repair, utility installations, emergency response, and ongoing maintenance-of-way services to keep rail lines safe and operational.
Railroad contractors provide track construction, maintenance of way, bridge construction and repair, jack and bore installation, directional boring, emergency rail repair, signal and utility installation, grading, earthwork, and structural work.
Railroad track construction includes surveying, grading, laying ballast, setting ties, installing rails, fastening components, and surfacing the track to ensure proper alignment and stability.
Rail maintenance of way involves inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad track, bridges, signals, ballast, and drainage systems to ensure safe and reliable train operations.
Railroad construction focuses on building new track, bridges, and structures. Maintenance focuses on inspecting, repairing, and extending the lifespan of existing railroad infrastructure.
Repairing damaged track involves inspecting the site, removing failed rails or ties, installing new components, correcting alignment, and surfacing the track to restore safe operations.
Railroad emergency repair is rapid-response work that restores track, bridges, or signals after derailments, washouts, storms, or unexpected infrastructure failures.
Jack and bore uses hydraulic jacks to push a steel casing beneath railroad tracks while simultaneously augering out soil, allowing utilities to be installed without disturbing the track structure.
Directional boring installs underground utilities by drilling a guided bore path beneath tracks or structures, minimizing surface disruption and maintaining track stability.
Railroad contractors follow FRA regulations, maintain strict PPE rules, use track protection and flaggers, conduct safety briefings, and employ trained crews to ensure safe job sites.
Railroad tracks are inspected through a combination of daily visual checks, scheduled FRA-mandated inspections, and periodic geometry testing to identify defects early.
Common causes include rail wear, tie deterioration, ballast fouling, poor drainage, extreme temperatures, and heavy train loads.
Ballast is crushed stone that supports track structure. It provides stability, drainage, and distributes weight to maintain proper track geometry.
Bridge repair includes inspecting the structure, replacing damaged timber or steel, reinforcing components, correcting alignment, and restoring load capacity.
Contractors coordinate with railroads to schedule track time, use flaggers or track protection, and follow strict safety protocols during active rail operations.
The cost varies based on terrain, materials, design, permitting, and structures, but generally ranges from several million dollars per mile.
Yes. Some entry level railroad jobs are designed for people who are new to the railroad industry. Construction, farming, equipment, trucking, military, warehouse, or outdoor labor experience can help, but many field skills can be learned on the job.
A Track Laborer job is one of the most common entry points into railroad construction. Track Laborers support crews with rail, ties, tools, materials, repairs, and general railroad infrastructure work.
Yes. Entry level railroad jobs are hands-on field positions. The work may involve lifting, carrying materials, using tools, walking on uneven ground, working outdoors, and supporting crews around heavy equipment.
Some railroad construction jobs require travel because crews go where the projects are located. Travel requirements depend on the role, project, and company needs.
Important skills include dependability, safety awareness, teamwork, physical stamina, willingness to learn, ability to follow directions, and comfort working outdoors.
Yes. Entry level railroad jobs can lead to long-term career opportunities in track work, equipment operation, CDL driving, Maintenance of Way, bridge work, emergency repair, and crew leadership.
Many railroad construction jobs require travel because projects are located wherever railroad infrastructure needs to be built, repaired, or maintained. Traveling crews may work in different towns, regions, or states depending on the project schedule.
Traveling railroad construction crews may work on track construction, Maintenance of Way, railroad bridge repair, emergency railroad repair, industrial track projects, crossing improvements, drainage work, and other railroad infrastructure projects.
Not always. Some entry-level railroad construction jobs may be available for applicants who are dependable, safety-minded, physically able to do the work, and willing to learn. Construction, equipment, farming, trucking, military, or outdoor labor experience can be helpful.
Yes. Railroad construction is hands-on outdoor work. It may involve lifting, carrying materials, using tools, working around heavy equipment, walking on uneven ground, and working in changing weather conditions.
Yes. CDL drivers can be valuable on traveling railroad construction crews because equipment, materials, and support vehicles often need to move from one project location to another.
Successful crew members are dependable, safety-focused, willing to travel, able to work hard, and ready to learn. Teamwork matters because traveling railroad crews rely on each other every day.